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Tycoon’s Art Trove Unveiled In Paris, Home To Billionaires’ Culture Contest

The reopening of Paris museums this week finally gives billionaire tycoon Francois Pinault the chance to showcase his vast contemporary art collection in the French capital, with works ranging from stuffed pigeons to slowly melting chairs.

The museum’s launch in a converted 19th-century commodities exchange, blocks away from the Louvre, was put on hold twice due to the pandemic after having suffered earlier planning mishaps, with an initial project abandoned in 2005.

Pinault, 84 – who made his fortune in timber trading before shifting into retail under the group now known as Kering (PRTP.PA), run by his son – joins rival French luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault in trying to stamp his legacy on Paris’ art scene and landscape, with museums and renovation projects.

But the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection, opening on May 22, will also give visitors a glimpse of the businessman’s vast trove of art purchases since the 1980s, including pieces by photographer Cindy Sherman and painter Peter Doig.

The 200 works on display for the opening, many straight out of storage, feature artists who have never had restrospectives in France, such as Kerry James Marshall, known for his paintings of Black figures and explorations of African-American history.

An ephemeral work by Swiss-born artist Urs Fischer will take centre stage at the launch, with wax sculptures installed in the central space, including of chairs and a marble-like statue, set to slowly melt over six months as they are set alight.

Overhead, stuffed pigeons peer down into the gallery, in an art installation called “Others” by Maurizio Cattelan designed to give visitors a startling sense of being observed.

The project follows Pinault’s attempt to build a new museum in western Paris on the site of a former Renault car factory, which became bogged down in wrangling with local authorities. The billionaire has since opened two museums in Venice, Italy.

NLC yet to implement minimum wage for own staff — 2 years after

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is yet to implement the new minimum wage of N30,000 for its staff two years after it was reviewed, according to the cable.
According to sources the failure to adopt the new wage has unsettled the staff of the congress amid talks of a possible strike to push for the implementation.

Workers at the NLC secretariat who asked not to be named because they were not authorised to speak on the matter confirmed that the Ayuba Wabba-led management still pays them their previous wage.

sources were informed at the secretariat on Monday that none of the congress’ leaders was available for comments as they are all in Kaduna, where they had directed a strike after accusing the state government of “anti-worker policies”.

President Muhamadu Buhari had in May 2018 signed the wage bill, effectively raising the minimum pay Nigerian workers can earn from N18,000 to N30,000.

Cattle valuable than oil and gas —Adamu Garba

Former Presidential Aspirant, Adamu Garba, has said that cattle have more economic value than the entire oil and gas reserve in Southern Nigeria.

Garba said this in reaction to the advice given by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria, Bauchi State chapter, which required its members to vacate the 17 states in Southern Nigeria.

MACBAN gave the advice following a ban on open grazing issued by governors of the region after a meeting in Asaba, Delta State.

Reacting, Garba said on Twitter, “I perfectly agree with this proposal. All Fulani present in Southern Nigeria should come back. We shall use the cattle, process the resources, and sell all over the world as finished goods.

Read Also: WHO, ILO warn about health risks of working 55 hours or more per week

“Cattle have more economic value than the entire oil and gas reserve we have in Nigeria. Our major stakeholders in the North must admit cows as business opportunities not just culture & invest heavily to bring #CowToCurrency to reality. Cows alone can solve all Northen problems.

“The job opportunities, the manufacturing centres, & the connection to global hubs of demands for the best cattle meats can open more doors and set for the liberation of Northern Nigeria from cheap and somewhat, useless oil assets. We must invest in harvesting the value of cattle.

“A litter of Cow at N350 is much more than the value of a litre of oil at N145. With over 20 million cows, take 1/3 as milk-producing female on average of 5 litres a day, we’ll have almost N12Bn/day from cow milk. That’s about N700M/state/day. About N21Bn/State/Month.

“That is much higher than the Monthly Allocation the largest state receives in the North. Again, each cow can generate a minimum of 3 Jobs. Rearing, Slughtring, Processing, marketing, Selling, and management. 5M cows =15M jobs. I marvel at the laziness of Northern Governors.

“Northern Governors think awarding contracts for building roads, taking their cuts is all they need for themselves. Doing so has subjected the North to condescension and dehumanization from some elements in the South. The time is now for them to wake up to our potentials.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the 2023 election is a game between cattle states and non-cattle states. Let’s be blunt about this. If Northern leaders do not wake up to this urgent reality, the target will not just be the cow, but the cow harbouring states and their adherents.”

Sports Minister, NFF eulogise legendary goalkeeper, Okala, at 70

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The Nigeria Football Federation, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, as well as many football fans around the globe have been sending congratulatory messages to a well-respected former Nigeria goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, who attained the age of 70 on Monday, May 17, 2021.

In a statement released Monday, the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, praised the towering goaltender for his meritorious service to his fatherland by delivering his best anytime he turned out for both the senior men’s team (then known as Green Eagles) and Rangers International FC of Enugu.

Okala, an imposing figure between the sticks at 6ft 5inches, emerged during an era in which Nigeria produced a long line of exceptional goalkeepers, including Inua Rigogo, Peter Fregene, Amusa Adisa, and Eyo Essien.

He earned his first cap in a friendly against Tanzania in Lagos that Nigeria won 3-2, and was in the team that won All-Africa Games football gold in Lagos in 1973, took bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1978 and finished as runners-up at the All-Africa Games in Algiers four months later.

Disabled children deserve equal access to basic education – UBEC

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Children with disabilities will soon have equal access to education like their peers as the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC partners the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPND) to provide special needs learning for kids

The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi who disclosed this at the weekend, explained that every disabled child of school-going age will receive basic education tailored to their needs under the partnership.

He said the intervention for children with disability was coming at a time when a UBEC project on “Model Smart School”, designed to address modern ICT needs of kids is about to kick off.

Dr. Bobboyi explained that both Commissions will form a joint committee to address the various issues in physical access such as toilet facilities and technical training amongst others.

Bolivian police find and destroy three crack cocaine ‘mega-factories’

Bolivian authorities said they struck a significant blow against cocaine producers in the country after the discovery and destruction of three “mega-factories” that they stated could produce up to 910 kg of crack a day.

Police found the tarpaulin-covered, makeshift factories hidden in forestry reserves and national parks in eastern Beni province, central Cochabamba and south-central Santa Cruz, law enforcement ministries said.

Jaime Mamani, deputy minister for social defense and controlled substances, said Bolivian anti-drugs squads had seized a record 7.41 tonnes of cocaine over the past four months.

Bolivian anti-drug police have also resumed the destruction of coca crops in their habitual cultivation zones of Los Yungas and El Chapare that had been suspended during the coronavirus pandemic.

New delay in graft case for South Africa’s Zuma

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The corruption trial of South Africa’s scandal-tainted Jacob Zuma was postponed once again on Monday, this time to May 26, as backers of the former president staged a boisterous show of support.

Zuma faces 16 charges of fraud, graft and racketeering relating to a 1999 purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and military gear from five European arms firms for 30 billion rand, then the equivalent of nearly $5 billion.

The 79-year-old Zuma, who was president Thabo Mbeki’s deputy at the time, is accused of accepting bribes totalling four million rand from one of the firms, French defence giant Thales.

The case has been postponed numerous times as Zuma, who has described the trial as a “political witch hunt”, lodged a string of motions to have the charges dropped.

In the latest snag last month, all of Zuma’s lawyers quit without explanation.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) forced Zuma to resign in 2018 after a mounting series of scandals.

Zuma struck a defiant note after Monday’s postponement, telling supporters outside the courthouse: “If I were to reveal the things I know about other people, it would be a disaster.”

Zuma was the feared intelligence chief of Nelson Mandela’s ANC during the party’s years in exile under apartheid, hunting down traitors and informers.

Zuma also spent 10 years on Robben Island as a political prisoner. He has constantly played cat-and-mouse with the anti-corruption commission that he himself set up in early 2018 in an abortive bid to convince the country that he had nothing to hide.

At Monday’s brief hearing, nearly everyone rose as Zuma, dressed in a dark blue suit, entered the wood-panelled courtroom at the Pietermaritzburg High Court.

In response, he clasped his hands in front of his chest.

A man sitting in the public gallery chanted “Long live Jacob Zuma, long live!”

Outside, dozens of supporters wearing military fatigues, some dancing, formed an honour guard as Zuma left the court building.

Zuma said he was “ready for trial and waiting for the law to take its course”, while warning he would “fight if the laws are bent”.

  • Boxes of evidence’ –

The state has lined up around 200 witnesses in the case, in which Thales is also in the dock.

Patricia De Lille, who blew the whistle on the arms deal and is now public works minister, had been due to be the first witness on Monday.

She spoke of “boxes and boxes of evidence,” telling journalists: “Finally this evidence will be disclosed by the state”.

The opposition politician said she blew the whistle to help “root out the bad apples within the ANC, (but) the response… was vicious”.

“We were vilified, ridiculed,” she said.

Carl Niehaus, a fervent Zuma supporter and former spokesman for Mandela, said he was anxious for the trial to end because “our leader cannot be persecuted any further”.

For his part, ANC lawmaker Supra Mahumapelo said Zuma, “at his advanced age… should be allowed to go into obscurity and we to move forward as a society.”

Zuma’s successor Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to root out corruption.

Miss Mexico Crowned Miss Universe 2021

Miss Mexico was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday in Florida, after fellow contestant Miss Myanmar used her stage time to draw attention to the bloody military coup in her country.

Sunday night marked the Miss Universe competition’s return to television after the pageant was cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the pandemic.

Andrea Meza, 26, finished first ahead of the Brazilian and Peruvian finalists in a flashy televised event, hosted by American actor Mario Lopez and television personality Olivia Culpo.

Former Miss Universe contestants Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega and Demi-Leigh Tebow (who won the title in 2017) served as competition analysts and commentators, and a panel of eight women determined the winner.

Dressed in a sparkling red evening gown, Meza tearfully walked the catwalk as Miss Universe for the first time, before rushing back for a group hug with the other competitors.

Meza beat more than 70 contestants from around the globe in the 69th instalment of Miss Universe, which was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In the days leading up to the final competition, Miss Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin, who made the top 21, made waves when she used her time in the spotlight to bring attention to the coup in her country.

Maintaining a Healthy Postpartum Diet

It  is no longer news that food is essential for nutrition and it is important for every stage of life. Postpartum diet is no different as the mother needs more nutrition during this period for herself and her baby.

At times not much attention is paid to postpartum nutrition, as most of the attention is on the new born baby. What many seems to forget is the fact that the nutrition of the baby is dependent on the mother so it’s very important for new mums to prioritize nourishing their bodies well, too.

Having a variety of nutrient-dense foods that require little prep work can be a lifesaver for new mums. Hence, this article attempts to identify some super healthy and convenient foods for a postpartum diet.

It is important to choose a wide variety of foods from all food groups such as: protein, fruit and vegetables, fiber-rich carbs and good fats.

Taste preference and desire to eat can continue to increase and reduce after giving birth, and many breastfeeding mums experience a voracious appetite. Whatever your postpartum experience looks like, here are some healthy foods to keep accessible, plus ideas for using them:

Pistachios

Pistachios are one of the highest protein nuts. They offer 6 grams of complete protein per serving to help fuel your body with essential amino acids. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber and unsaturated fat to help keep you fuller longer.

For middle-of-the-night breastfeeding hunger, try no-shell pistachios as a convenient, healthy snack. You might also enjoy crushed pistachios for extra crunch in a salad, on top of ice cream or yogurt, or blended into homemade pesto

Tofu

Tofu is a great source of protein, as well as the essential nutrients choline and lysine, which can be harder to find on a plant-based diet.

Choline is important for healthy cells and infant brain development, but the body only makes a small amount. Regardless of diet, most pregnant women don’t consume enough choline, and this likely continues after giving birth. Choline is transferred via breast milk, and tofu is a good way to make sure you’re replenishing stores.

Lysine is an essential amino acid we have to get through diet. While plant foods contain all nine essential amino acids, lysine is limited in some of them—but not tofu. 

Tofu takes on the flavor of just about anything. It’s also inexpensive and super versatile. Extra-firm tofu is great to cube and roast, scramble, grill for sandwiches, or use in soup. Silken tofu works well for blending into smoothies or creamy sauces. 

Oats

The jury is still out on whether oats help promote milk supply, but they work anecdotally for some moms. Regardless, there’s no harm in, eating oats, plus they’re full of soluble fiber, iron, zinc, and B vitamins and can be a great grain alternative for gluten-free mums.

Use them to make overnight oats, you can add a couple of tablespoons to smoothies, and you can also grind them into oat flour for baking. 

Avocado

Avocados are energy-dense and can help keep you fuller for longer. They’re also packed with fiber, healthy omega-3 fats, and fat-soluble antioxidants that research says can improve breast milk quality.

Plus, they’re delicious on just about everything. Use as a spread on toasts, or add them to your salads or a make a delicious smoothie

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of nutrients packed with naturally sweet complex carbohydrate that will help keep you satisfied and provide energy for breastfeeding. They’re also a great source of the antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C. Whether steamed, grilled or baked, anyhow you choose to prepare your sweet potatoes; you surely enjoy the goodness of this powerhouse of nutrition.

Every mama has a unique postpartum experience, but nutrition is important for everyone. As you feed your new baby, it highly advised you also feed and very well too. This is not always easy with the demands of motherhood, but incorporating the nutrient-dense plant foods can help provide the energy and nourishment needed.

WHO, ILO warn about health risks of working 55 hours or more per week

Individuals working long hours a week are at increased risk of suffering from stroke and dying from ischemic heart disease, according to a new study published by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization on Monday.

In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016.

That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000.

“Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard,” said Maria Neira, director of the WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.

“What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers,” she said.

The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked.

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region — a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia — being the most affected.

Overall, the study – drawing on data from 194 countries – said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week.

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The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks.

“The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time,” the WHO said, estimating that at least 9% of people work long hours.

WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the U.N. agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study.

Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said.

“It’s really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis.”